By Milcah Tanimu

The Ekiti State Government has issued a stern warning to petroleum marketers engaging in fuel hoarding, threatening heavy sanctions to combat artificial scarcity in the state. This caution follows the resurgence of long queues at fuel stations across Ekiti, with many outlets shutting down operations and refusing to dispense petrol to motorists.

Residents are facing hardship due to the fuel scarcity, as long queues reappear at the few stations still selling petrol. During visits to filling stations in Ado-Ekiti, it was observed that only a handful were selling petrol, with pump prices ranging from N680 to N750 per litre.

This situation has compelled motorists to leave their cars at home and resort to public transport for commuting to their workplaces. The state secretariat car parks were notably less occupied, as civil servants relied on government-provided palliative buses for transportation.

Addressing executives of petroleum dealers in the state, Odunayo Arinka, Chairman of the Petroleum Products Consumers Protection Agency, emphasized the need for marketers to cease hoarding fuel. Arinka warned that if artificial scarcity persists and queues persist, the state government would be compelled to take alternative measures.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring residents’ access to petrol at prices in line with Federal Government regulations, pledging continued monitoring efforts.

Arinka urged petrol station owners in Ekiti to make fuel readily available and refrain from unethical practices. He expressed hope that Federal Government initiatives would soon lead to a reduction in fuel prices, easing the burden on the masses.

Evangelist Olu Olebele, Chairman of the Petroleum Dealers Association in Ekiti State, attributed the price increment to the high cost of fuel purchased from depots and transportation expenses. He noted that the cost of transporting fuel to Ekiti State was significantly higher compared to other states, leading to the price hike.